It seems like just yesterday that thousands of Philadelphians were reading and discussing Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing, the 2019 One Book, One Philadelphia selection. There is still time to read it, of course… but you better hurry. There’s a new book in town, and it will be announced next week!

The 2020 One Book, One Philadelphia featured title will be revealed on October 17! If you have a guess about what it might be, post your guess to the One Book Facebook page. The first person to guess correctly will receive a free copy!

How is the book chosen, you ask? Each year, the One Book selection committee dives into and deliberates over stacks and stacks of novels that are up for consideration, until the right book meets all of the criteria, and it’s the only one left on the table. It takes months!

Join us for the big reveal next Thursday, October 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the main lobby of Parkway Central Library to find out this year’s title. As a project in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, the Honorable Mayor Jim Kenney will be with us to help present the title.

And afterward? We read! The announcement marks the beginning of the official One Book Reading Period, with programs starting up later on, in mid-January. Look out for that calendar of events, produced in collaboration with dozens of arts organizations, universities, nonprofits, and venues across the city.

Philadelphia may have the largest One Book project in the country, but we’re joined by hundreds of cities and states that read together throughout the year. We’re part of a national movement to build community through shared literature.

If you aren’t able to join us at the October 17 announcement, stay tuned to the Free Library’s blog and social media accounts so you can reserve your ebook, audiobook, or paperback copy of __________________!